YOKOTE, Akita Pref. (Kyodo) In a unique effort to reduce welfare costs, the municipal government of Yokote, Akita Prefecture, has designated a number of meeting halls and health-promotion facilities as "health stations" aimed at improving the physical fitness of its citizens.
The idea is to make health facilities like train stations -- places where anyone can stop by and get help in avoiding the illnesses and disabilities often associated with old age.
The city has at least two large-scale stations that serve as training centers for residents who want to build up their strength, and three smaller venues where residents can check their blood pressure and exercise.